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The Uses of Vitamin DVitamin D is actually more a hormone than anything else. Our body produces it on exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The vitamin's primary functions are to control calcium and phosphorous levels in our blood, and assist in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Research has repeatedly proved that Vitamin D is critical for preventing osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones and increases the risk of fractures. Vitamin D deficiency translates into lower absorption of calcium from either food or vitamins regardless of intake. If calcium levels in the blood are low, our body takes calcium out of the bones and into the bloodstream to provide the heart, muscles and nerve cells with the calcium they need. If this happens over an extended period of time, our bones lose mass due to calcium loss. Continuous research is being conducted to learn more about the purposes and benefits of Vitamin D. Research suggests that the vitamin is critical for immune system maintenance and that it may work in the prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancers. Other studies have discovered that ample amounts of Vitamin D may decrease the onset of knee osteoarthritis, though it may not lead to overall prevention of osteoarthritis. Also Read:
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